HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Statement 1978/11/02 Item 01CITY OF CHULA VISTA
COUNCIL AGENDA STATEMENT
Item No. 1
For meeting of 11/2/78
ITEM TITLE Proposed development of a Community Service Center in Memorial Park,
in Subarea-1, Town Centre No. I Project
SUBMITTED BY Director of Planning
ITEM EXPLANATION (4/5TH'S VOTE REQUIRED YES X NO )
A. BACKGROUND
1. The State of California has awarded the City of Chula Vista a grant for the
construction of a community service center (auditorium and gymnasium) in Memorial
Park. Subsequent to this grant, the city commissioned the late Mr. Victor Wulff, A.I.A.,
td`~prepare plans and drawings for the subject facility. Mr. Wulff's work was
completed by Architect Thomas Williamson.
2. On October 11, 1978, Mr. Williamson, in conjunction with the Chula Vista Park
and Recreation Department, submitted plans and elevations of the proposed community
service center to the Town Centre Design Review Board for consideration. The Board,
after much discussion, unanimously denied its approval of the project on the following
grounds:
a. The proposed project would not be consistent with the townscape and urban
design criteria and guidelines of the Town Centre No. I Design Manual.
b. The submitted plans and elevations of the proposed community service center
do not reflect the quality of design which the Board has required of other
developments and projects.
c. The proposed project, from the standpoint of townscape planning, would be
incompatible with the proposed residential development in the Townsite
Focus Area.
3. The Board suggested that the architect and his municipal client revise their
plans, in accordance with the guidelines of the Design Manual, and those offered by
the Board members. The Board also suggested that the project architect work closely
UMP:yy (Continued on supplemental page)
EXHIBITS
Agreement Resolution Ordinance Plat X Notification List
i
Other ENVIRONMENTAL DOCUMENT: Attached Submitted on
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The additional cost of the redesign and construction of the proposed center, in
accordance with the guidelines of the Design Manual and the Design Review Board, could
exceed $40,000, according to the preliminary, rough estimate of Mr. Williamson.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
The proposed community service center should be developed in accordance with the
Townscape planning guidelines of the Design Manual, as such are interpreted by the
Town Centre Design Review Board.
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
The Design Review Board moved not to reduce the scope of the project but expressed
concern that the project should cover less area and reflect a more festive atmosphere.
COUNCIL ACTION
9353
Item No . 1
For meeting of
Supplemental page
with the City Planner of the Project Area.
4. The Park and Recreation Department has requested additional funds
from the City Council, in order to defray the costs entailed in the preparation
of new site and architectural plans, as well as those related to provision of
required amenities. The City Council proposes the review of the entire
matter of the community service center at its study session of November 2, 1978.
B. ANALYSIS
1. The submitted plans for the development of the proposed community service
center failed to capture the spirit of the Design Manual. They depicted a bland,
nondescript building, which, at best, would complement the existing lack of
luster which characterizes the structures of Memorial Park. The proposed
building. would not reflect a compliance with the Manual's guidelines on color,
graphics, mall furniture, open space, serial vision, flooring, or fine art. The
proposed building, in short, would do nothing to promote the feeling of "towness"
in the urban core, and nothing to spur the physical redevelopment thereof.
2. The Design Review Board has consistently demanded high design standards
from private applicants, and must demand the same from public agencies. The
design of the proposed center is espeCi_ally critical, since it would be situated
in adjacency to the proposed residential development in the Townsite Focus Area.
Sound city planning requires that the design of the Townsite and Memorial Park
manifest a very high level. of comratibility.
3. The proposed community service center will serve a clear and present
recreational need of the people of Chula Vista. It is the view of the Board
and the Project Planner that the center should also meet the people's need for
order, amenity and aesthetic quality. The Board and the Project Planner also
feel that the building should be lithe and festive in design, and thereby
express the physical and spiritual rehabilitation objectives of recreation.
C. CONCLUSION
The revision of the plans for the development of the proposed community service
center is necessary. If these plans are brought into a state of consonancy with
the guidelines of the Design Manual and the Design Review Board, the benefits to
the City of Chula Vista would be long range and comprehensive.
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